Thread Number: 5840
Maytag Makeover Madness....and a wash in of sorts
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Post# 121105   4/10/2006 at 01:41 (6,562 days old) by hoover1060 ()        

This weekend Greg and Terry and Charlie have been in town visiting Fred N, as well as Tania, Little Fred and Joe from Milwaukee.
Saturday night we went to wonderful black tie dinner, a good time was had by all.
Today we went at my Maytag A608 and scrubbed her up, as well as doing a couple of maiden washes.
Everyone had a hand in getting the washer going today
The washer scrubbed up beautifully, and runs even better. I've never heard such a quite Maytag, and for 26 years old she was well maintained and appears to have lots of life left.
Here is the Glam shot, and the rest of the pics are in my album


CLICK HERE TO GO TO hoover1060's LINK





Post# 121108 , Reply# 1   4/10/2006 at 03:03 (6,562 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
spiffy!

panthera's profile picture
I think part of the charm of Maytag is their clean layout. Cleans up real good! Thanks for sharing.

Post# 121110 , Reply# 2   4/10/2006 at 03:25 (6,562 days old) by mrcleanjeans (milwaukee wi)        
men, you may tag the Maytag

Great machine,Jeff and great job on it "boys".Congrats on definitely the MOST reliable top-loading washer ever made.
The helical drive is still alive.


Post# 121113 , Reply# 3   4/10/2006 at 04:01 (6,562 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
FAB Machine

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Glad the Maytag had the best experts to hand, looks straight out of the showroom....

Is the colour "Almond" type, just noticed it against the washer at the back...such as simple design

Mike

p.s Where`s the Black tie pics???


Post# 121123 , Reply# 4   4/10/2006 at 05:59 (6,562 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Mazel Tov.

What a machine!


Post# 121127 , Reply# 5   4/10/2006 at 06:18 (6,562 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

Jeff,
She looks like a beauty. I'm so envious. I still don't have an almond! Lots of fun,
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121128 , Reply# 6   4/10/2006 at 06:20 (6,562 days old) by christfr (st louis mo)        
yeah

christfr's profile picture
how wonderful. all cleaned and ready to roll. great job youll love having it..

Post# 121135 , Reply# 7   4/10/2006 at 07:06 (6,562 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Such a lady!! Heart's pitter pattering.

Post# 121145 , Reply# 8   4/10/2006 at 07:56 (6,562 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Hey Jeff - she looks great! Looks like you all had a great time giving the Maytag a one-over. Thanks for sharing!

Ben


Post# 121150 , Reply# 9   4/10/2006 at 08:23 (6,562 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Nice job guys on the cleaning. Was there any mechanical issues that had to be delt with?

Steve


Post# 121165 , Reply# 10   4/10/2006 at 09:21 (6,562 days old) by lightedcontrols ()        

Hi Jeff! Your Maytag really turned out beautifully! Seems like no matter which washers we have in out collections, we ALWAYS depend on the Maytags when all is said and done. Simply the best washer ever made. Simple design, simply dependable. Mark

Post# 121168 , Reply# 11   4/10/2006 at 09:51 (6,562 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)        

Classic, simple styling never ages. The washer is not festooned with badges, logos, multicolored buttons, or any attempt to make the control panel look like the inside of the Enterprise. Although not my favorite top-loader, I cannot argue with the reliability, simplicity, and refinement of the Helical Drive.(what??? no clutches, cams, or shifting solenoids???) My ex-wife's 1969 A806 is still working flawlessly, and hasn't got an ounce of rust on it. Sweet!

Post# 121170 , Reply# 12   4/10/2006 at 09:55 (6,562 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Wow that machine cleaned up great! Now it should last another 20 years.

Post# 121172 , Reply# 13   4/10/2006 at 10:06 (6,562 days old) by fnelson487 (Palm Springs, CA)        
Black Tie Pics

fnelson487's profile picture
They are coming. I need to caption them because there are plenty of stories to tell!! Great weekend.

Fred


Post# 121176 , Reply# 14   4/10/2006 at 10:42 (6,562 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
It was a great weekend

Thanks to Fred for being the consumate host!

Washer: No mechanical issues that we could find anyway. I'm not an expert by any means but this is one of the best sounding Maytags I have ever heard. Its whisper quiet, and for 26 years old it made none of the characteristic Maytag noises(such as the grunting seal noise when spinning) Everything seems really tight, almost like it was new. The inside of the cabinet was clean too, save for a film of grease and some spilled bleach residue.
I love the sound of these washers. Just like a perfectly tuned Hoover Convertible, the sound of one of these Maytags running is unmistakable, and almost musical.
My goal is to have the washer here the first weekend in May. I can hardly wait!!


Post# 121178 , Reply# 15   4/10/2006 at 10:56 (6,562 days old) by retromom ()        
Love the washer Jeff!!

The glam shot really shows her beauty! I hope you enjoy her!

Venus :-D


Post# 121205 , Reply# 16   4/10/2006 at 12:17 (6,562 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

Now Jeff,
How can you compare a Maytag A608 with a Hoover Convertible? That's like comparing a Rolls Royce with an old Pontiac. (running for the hills!) Just kidding. It really amazes me how quiet this series of Maytag is. They just purr. Did you get to the dryer yet? They are even better than the washers, IMHO. LOL,
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121231 , Reply# 17   4/10/2006 at 15:30 (6,562 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
Bobby, Bobby, Bobby...

Why?

{{SIGH}}


Post# 121252 , Reply# 18   4/10/2006 at 17:48 (6,562 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        
Jeff,

Just adding a little fuzz to your lint filter. Now I know just what buttons to push! Lots of love, have tons of fun with the 'Tags. How is the dryer? Have you used an 08 with electronic control? You'll never use anything else. I gave my grandmother my D608 to replace her D606, because she complained the 06 was too small. (true) Now it's considered "family house property", fat chance of me ever getting it back.
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121258 , Reply# 19   4/10/2006 at 18:03 (6,562 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Great pictures, Jeff! It was fun working on the Maytag with you guys - it should run for a long, long time!



Post# 121274 , Reply# 20   4/10/2006 at 19:50 (6,561 days old) by hoover1060 ()        

Thanks to you too Greg for all your work on the Maytag, it was fun to watch the master go to work, I learned alot just watching you. I appreciate all your help!

Bobby: Which buttons will you push next? Regular or Gentle?
Small or Ex-large?
I know its all in good fun!
My mom had the DE608 dryer so I am familiar with it, nice dryer and just about idiot proof. I love the bell too! Greg had my DG 608 running, but not hooked up to gas. It sounds great and doesen't appear to have any mechanical issues either. It even spit some change out when we first fired it up! There was a sticker inside the door that said the dryer was converted to LP gas, so it will need to be put back to natural gas before I can use it.
I am really proud of these machines, and can't wait to get them into use.


Post# 121292 , Reply# 21   4/10/2006 at 22:12 (6,561 days old) by rogera608s (Tucson,AZ)        

Jeff,
What a beautiful machine. Glad you got it. You will get years of service out of that washer. It is the same model I bought new 28 years ago and still have. By now it is like an old friend.
Looks like you all had great fun over the weekend. Can't wait to hear all about it.
Roger


Post# 121298 , Reply# 22   4/10/2006 at 22:40 (6,561 days old) by tlee618 ()        

I can assure you all that that machine is even nicer than it looks. It runs so smooth and quiet. Jeff you are so lucky to have found this beautiful set. It was fun just giving it a little tender loving care which she more than deserved after all of these years. Terry

Post# 121304 , Reply# 23   4/10/2006 at 23:06 (6,561 days old) by westytoploader ()        

WOOHOO!! Looks like y'all had a fun weekend...can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!!

Jeff, hope you enjoy those new Maytags for years to come!! They look WONDERFUL as if hardly used!!!


Post# 121305 , Reply# 24   4/10/2006 at 23:25 (6,561 days old) by westytoploader ()        

And I agree--Greg has such an outstanding technical knowledge of every brand and type of appliance whether it be large or small! The first time we talked on the phone (about a year ago) I was amazed...I probably asked close to 50 questions that day!! I have Greg to thank for as far as what I know now about Frigidaire, Westinghouse, GE, Maytag, etc., and will definitely learn more interesting facts/stories/history in the future!

One of these days I need to attend a large "fix-in" to watch the "masters at work"!


Post# 121306 , Reply# 25   4/10/2006 at 23:31 (6,561 days old) by brettsomers ()        

im glad the washer turned out good. Simple, understated, user-friendly and Quality. im my dreams, the same group of men responsible for the brilliant design of these Maytag automatics would come back to life and design a front-loading, water-thrifty machine for the new century. with mechanical controls and a minimum of flash, and heavy on the quality and good engineering. but this will never happen. machines like this Maytag Jeff got are TOO GOOD. i hope folks like us do a good job of preserving the existing machines out there. lets get the word out fellas! once these machines are gone, they will be gone for good! mr parker, maybe we can expect some VIDEOS of your new toys in the near future? David

Post# 121323 , Reply# 26   4/11/2006 at 03:44 (6,561 days old) by erkjoey ()        

Beautiful Jeff! Congrats on getting them. Best Wishes for many happy Maytag years ahead. Enjoy them with each load.

Erik


Post# 121335 , Reply# 27   4/11/2006 at 06:52 (6,561 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

Jeff,
So glad we agree on what awesome machines the 608's are. Pushing "Ex-large" for hug size. LOL,
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121348 , Reply# 28   4/11/2006 at 07:54 (6,561 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
I could not agree more

These machines were simple, elegant, and practical. Nothing too flashy or gauche, and IMHO the exact controls every washer should have. I love the regular/gentle buttons, and the 4 water levels.
These are special anyway because I knew the same model set from age 13 on...I am very excited about using them. Watching the washer do that load of towels I remembered why these were the standard by which all others were judged.
We'll have to see about video, at present I don't own anything capable of doing digital video, so we'll see how that turns out.
Thanks for all the kind words!


Post# 121365 , Reply# 29   4/11/2006 at 11:30 (6,561 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        
Jeff,

Remember the Consumer Report mag. reviews from the 70's? The end paragraph always said: "Once again, the Maytag is the top-rated washer." They weren't kidding.
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121367 , Reply# 30   4/11/2006 at 11:37 (6,561 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
.... uniil some GENIUS started lowering the rating of Maytags because they did (and do) not have a water retention lip on the top surface.

I mean GET A CLUE PEOPLE!




Post# 121378 , Reply# 31   4/11/2006 at 12:30 (6,561 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Wonderful machine and what a terrific cleaning job!

Post# 121522 , Reply# 32   4/11/2006 at 22:57 (6,560 days old) by gregm ()        
Maytag timer position

I always loved the CENTER timer dial position on maytags. I hated when in the later 70's? they moved the timer dial to the left, or was it to the right ??? hahahah, does anyone know what year this actually took place ?

Post# 121532 , Reply# 33   4/11/2006 at 23:15 (6,560 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
I asked that question this weekend too

Greg(Nunn) said 1980 sometime...

They were not as pretty after the move


Post# 121569 , Reply# 34   4/12/2006 at 06:25 (6,560 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        

bajaespuma's profile picture
1977-1978. I remember in my Junior year going to Malley's Department Store in New Haven CT during its last year in business. Not only did they move the dial but they dumbed down the escutcheon to a flat phony wood-grain panel and eliminated the operating light on the higher-end models.

Hey, I was pissed off when they changed their timed bleach dispenser to that stupid bleach funnel ala GE.

I still have the brochures from the transition and when I can get my &$%@##! scanner to work again I'll post them.


Post# 121573 , Reply# 35   4/12/2006 at 06:57 (6,560 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

The operating light actually went out (no pun intended) on the 07 & 08 series in the late seventies when the line still had the center dial. I agree the center dial was the classiest style, as I like symmetry, but the 12 series is classy too. The buttons were dark brown, and the cheesey woodgrain panel from the 10 series was eliminated. The bleach dispenser was cheapened so that all but BOL models had it. The pump dispensers were only available on the very top model only.
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121587 , Reply# 36   4/12/2006 at 07:41 (6,560 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
light

Which light Bobby? The florescent panel light or the little red light above the dial?

Post# 121589 , Reply# 37   4/12/2006 at 07:50 (6,560 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
When we bought our BOL Maytag washer in the spring of 1981, the new models were just out, the center-dial styles were all but gone - just a few dryers left on clearance at The Mart. The service literature for the "10" series is from late 1980.

At the time, I remember being glad to see something new from Maytag but it just didn't have the style and class of the older, familiar Maytags.


Post# 121613 , Reply# 38   4/12/2006 at 09:15 (6,560 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
ahhh the Mart

Such a cool place, and it could take DAYS to go through!

Post# 121649 , Reply# 39   4/12/2006 at 11:13 (6,560 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

What is the MART? Jeff, Maytag eliminated all lights on the washers with the 10 series. And only the TOL dryers had a drum light. Greg, although they didn't look as classy, the 10 and 12 series machine was basically identical to the 08 series. I love my almond 612 pair, but I am a little avocado green with envy at Jeff's new babies!
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121668 , Reply# 40   4/12/2006 at 11:49 (6,560 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
The MART is

Nebraska Furniture Mart, this huge place in Omaha where they have damn near everything furniture and appliances. I was there a handful of times when I lived in Nebraska, fun place!

It would have been big fun back in the 70's I would imagine.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO hoover1060's LINK


Post# 121693 , Reply# 41   4/12/2006 at 13:01 (6,560 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

The MART still exists? I'm surprized Home Despot and bLowe's haven't put them under. Even so, I get more disgusted than excited when I see the appliances of today. I know I sound like an old fart, but they just don't make'em like they used to!
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121708 , Reply# 42   4/12/2006 at 13:38 (6,560 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
It does Exist

chestermikeuk's profile picture
We arrived on mass from the Omaha convention last year, what a place, never seen anything like it on the laundry area...every washer made...the sales staff where really p....ed off...no commission for them that day...

Paul the journalist who was covering the convention, managed to sell the new Bosch "Desperate Housewives" range...could have stayed there all week!!!


Post# 121709 , Reply# 43   4/12/2006 at 13:47 (6,560 days old) by bobbyderegis (Boston)        

I wish I had been on board for that convention. It must have been a blast.
Bobby in Boston


Post# 121742 , Reply# 44   4/12/2006 at 15:44 (6,560 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Ahh yes, the large, imposing, wonderfully exciting Nebraska Furniture Mart!!!!! Could have explored that place for HOURS; we went there Saturday (June 25th to be exact...LOL) during the Convention. Washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, and electronics galore...not to mention a Burger King and other fast-food "kiosks" and that wasn't even all. It must have been AWESOME to see the place in the 70's with all of those Frigidaire 1-18s and center-dial 'Tags.

I had so much fun playing with the new machines, and it was HILARIOUS pi**ing off the salespeople and pointing out to the customers that the washers and dryers they were looking at were absolute crap (which was in fact true). I can't count how many times they went up to each of us and asked, "Can I help you?" I do sometimes wonder what they thought, seeing a bunch of guys with odd nametags walking up & down each row of kitchen/laundry equipment, opening the front-loading washers and pulling back the door boots, and not to mention the nonstop appliance discussion!

Yes, the Omaha Convention was very fun...that was great that the local news covered it. Now that reminds me, it's been almost a year (though it doesn't feel like it) and I still need to get that video segment from Greg!

--Austin


Post# 121900 , Reply# 45   4/12/2006 at 22:46 (6,559 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
I remember my first trip there

Sometime in the spring of 1998, I went with some friends who were looking for lamps.
We were there for almost the whole day!
and didn't buy a single lamp!!


Post# 122211 , Reply# 46   4/14/2006 at 14:30 (6,558 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

Jeff, Love your new Maytag. congrats. I bought my Maytag dryer in 1980 which still had the single dial in the middle. I still use it and have never had one thing go wrong with it. I think the model changed then in '81? Have fun with your new machine. Where is Roselle, Illinois Jeff? Gary

Post# 122226 , Reply# 47   4/14/2006 at 16:16 (6,558 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
Thanks Gary!

Roselle is about 8 miles due west of O'Hare along Irving Park road, or for shoppers, I'm 10 minutes south of Woodfield Mall/Ikea.
Everyone knows that Ikea store!


Post# 122228 , Reply# 48   4/14/2006 at 16:28 (6,558 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

Thanks Jeff, I am 35 miles north of Peoria on route 40 about 15 miles south of I-80. Maybe I should host a wringer washer wash in? I have a Hoover Constelation from 1958 that my grandmother bought new,a Hoover Dimension that I bought new and 1978 Kirby that I bought new also. bye for now
Gary


Post# 122258 , Reply# 49   4/14/2006 at 20:59 (6,557 days old) by hoover1060 ()        

I don't have alot of experience with wringers gary, but a wash in sounds like fun to me!!

Post# 122310 , Reply# 50   4/15/2006 at 11:33 (6,557 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
I don't have alot of experience with wringers

toggleswitch's profile picture
Never been put through the wringer?
We need to get you partnered. LOL


Post# 122334 , Reply# 51   4/15/2006 at 15:16 (6,557 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
HUH??

Partnered just so I can be hurt? Already done the hurt thing here, would prefer to have something that lasts

Post# 122341 , Reply# 52   4/15/2006 at 16:37 (6,557 days old) by brettsomers ()        
nevermind Toggle

i think he has a touch of Tourettes syndrome :)

Post# 123654 , Reply# 53   4/21/2006 at 11:54 (6,551 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

Jeff, How are the Maytags doing? Inquiring minds like mine want to know. lol Gary

Post# 123890 , Reply# 54   4/22/2006 at 23:38 (6,549 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
sorry for the delay

Gary the Maytags are still residing at Ida's Home for Wayward Vintage Appliances.
I expect to bring them here the first weekend in May.
I can't wait to use that washer!


Post# 124130 , Reply# 55   4/24/2006 at 07:07 (6,548 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

HI Jeff, If you need some help bringing the washer home I am avaliable on that Sat. the 6th. Take care. Gary

Post# 124137 , Reply# 56   4/24/2006 at 07:31 (6,548 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
Thanks Gary

Maytag Homecoming day has been designated for Sunday May 7th, all depending on how well I can do at borrowing a pickup truck. I am unsure about the 6th though, as Home Depot is coming to install new floors in my upstairs bathroom and kitchen that day, and I don't know how long it will stake them.
I will keep you posted!


Post# 124143 , Reply# 57   4/24/2006 at 08:09 (6,548 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

Jeff, I can take a day off from church on the 7th and Joyce can play that Sunday. I don't have to be nailed to the organ bench. lol Gary

Post# 124198 , Reply# 58   4/24/2006 at 18:42 (6,547 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
very cool

I may take you up on that Gary!

Post# 124212 , Reply# 59   4/24/2006 at 19:27 (6,547 days old) by johnb300m (Chicago)        
Crappy Crap Crap

johnb300m's profile picture
We have an LA511 from 1982, faux wood, extra large capacity. It's a fantastic washer. It came with a matching dryer that we finally had to get rid of because we were tired of fixing sensors and things took almost 2hrs. to dry. So we replaced it with a Neptune digital dryer.......and since we got it in 2003 it's been flawless. I too hate the nasty look of the brown [right sided] dial Maytags...CENTER DIAL FOREVER!

You're all correct........it makes me nauseated seeing the new appliances at the stores. Everything compared to our 511 washer or after KA24s is complete S%#T. I can tell that by just opening their doors/lids.


Post# 124216 , Reply# 60   4/24/2006 at 19:36 (6,547 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        

bajaespuma's profile picture
What's the depression on the washbasket cover-ring? Is this where and interior tub light would have gone on a more TOL model?

Post# 124251 , Reply# 61   4/24/2006 at 21:02 (6,547 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
Thats for the light...

Thats where the tub light goes on the A806

Post# 124507 , Reply# 62   4/25/2006 at 20:12 (6,546 days old) by bpetersxx (laf in on the banks of the Wabash River)        

bpetersxx's profile picture
sorry pic is horrid

Post# 124547 , Reply# 63   4/25/2006 at 22:16 (6,546 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        

bajaespuma's profile picture
Oh, now I want my vintage blue-escutcheoned A806 with timed bleach dispenser more than ever! And to think, I missed one on the road two years ago. Wish I'd known you guys back then.


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